Vick's Burg Once Again

Former Virginia Tech football standout Michael Vick was back in Blacksburg for the first time since 2005 on Saturday putting his signature on spring football game weekend … literally.

Vick was at the Tech Bookstore on Main Street meeting with fans and signing autographs early Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Almost 400 anxious fans packed the bookstore to get up-close with the player who brought so much excitement to the Hokie nation a decade ago.

Vick, who was obviously grateful for his fans, said it felt great to be back.

“The reception has been warm, warm welcome … as I thought it would be," he said. "It’s great to come back and see my alma-mater, and still have the respect and the integrity from all the people around the campus … that I spent three years of my life in.

“I’m just enjoying it … I’ve enjoyed the love … it’s very gratifying.”

The bookstore’s manager, George Daniels, said the first group of fans arrived at 6:30 a.m., nearly three hours before the store opened. Fans of all ages, boys and girls, men and women, brought with them clothing, footballs, helmets, photos, magazines and books for Vick to sign. One fan even brought a painting, painted by himself, of Vick. And, fans didn’t forget their cameras, of course.

“These are the people that want to wish him luck … look into his eyes,” said Daniels, who unfortunately had to turn down some late-arriving fans at the door in an effort to not exceed the allotted time.

Also stopping by to see Vick were his brother and former Virginia Tech quarterback, Marcus, as well as current Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Their presence only added to an already energetic environment, an environment that had the normally quiet bookstore buzzing with excitement. There was the "Let’s go Hokies" chant and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” could be heard over the store’s music speakers.

Fans couldn’t get enough of Vick. Even after meeting him, they wouldn’t immediately leave. “I love you, Mike!” shouted an elated fan while exiting the signing area.

That wasn’t surprising. Vick still loves this place and this place loves him in return. “This is his Virginia Tech family … his old town,” said C.J. Reamon, a personal assistant of Vick.

The autograph signing event was also an opportunity for Vick to give back to a charity of his choice. Tickets for the event were pre-sold for $25 or sold at the door for $30. According to Daniels, a portion of the ticket sales were to be donated to the Montgomery County Humane Society, per Vick’s request.

The ex-Virginia Tech star and current Philadelphia Eagle has been hard at work giving back after a troubling dog-fighting incident landed him in prison for almost two years back in 2007. But, Vick insisted he’s always up for giving back, regardless of any situation.

“It’s something that I always wanted to do … it’s something that I will continue to do … I’m doing this sincerely from the heart and not because there’s a motive behind it … it’s a passion … I enjoy it.”